Katy Perry vs. Katie Perry

U.S. singer-songwriter Katy Perry performs on stage during the 17th Life Ball in Vienna May 16, 2009. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

BRISBANE, Australia (Billboard) - Singer Katy Perry’s representatives are attempting to block an Australian fashion designer from trade-marking her clothing range with the brand name Katie Perry.

The designer, who started her high-end Katie Perry loungewear label two years ago, initiated a trademark application in September 2008 and recently opened her first outlet in Sydney. But she was hit with a cease-and-desist order from representatives of the EMI-signed artist, in an attempt to halt the “similar name” being used in connection with the clothing label.

The Australian businesswoman was born Katie Jane Perry, but sometimes goes by the name Katie Howell.

EMI said in a statement Thursday that a “routine notice letter was sent to Ms. Howell, as is customary in trademark practice, alerting her of Ms. Perry’s intended application” for trademark protection down under.

The American pop singer, whose real name is Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, has become a mainstream star in Australia, scoring a No. 1 hit last year with “I Kissed A Girl” and winning best newcomer at the MTV Australia Awards in March. Her follow-up “Hot N Cold” reached No. 4. She is scheduled to begin in Australian tour on Brisbane on August 12.